April Uprising

april-uprising

April Uprising, the fifth album from the John Butler Trio is a culmination of where John has been and now knowing where he is heading and why. The album title comes from John’s recent journey on the SBS television series “Who Do You think You Are?”, where John’s ancestry was traced. “I always knew where I was going but I didn’t know why, in a heritage sense,” he explains. “The intuitive compulsion to be socially driven, conscious through music . . . this gave me a very strong sense of foundation for all of that”.

“April Uprising is a metaphor for transformation” John says. “April was the month when this huge period of change in my life manifested in the foundations of this album. That was when I realised what I needed to do and started playing with Nicky and Byron. That was an uprising in itself and not one that was taken lightly.”

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John continually reinvents and renews his outlook which includes his band line-up. April Uprising introduces new trio members Nicky Bomba (John’s brother-in-law) on drums and percussion and Byron Luiters on bass. The result is a new direction and a fresh approach. “It’s interesting to see a band come together and the first thing they do is create and produce together. We came in as three producers, three writers, three players. We went into the laboratory to produce the best thing we could and here we are. What an interesting way to start a relationship. Personally I feel we’ve created something very special that will stand the test of time – it’s my best work to date.”

There are many moods on this album, accommodated by the ample fifteen tracks on offer. Starting with the serious “Revolution”, the ever-catchy ‘One Way Road’, the fun ‘C’mon Now’, the Funky ‘I’ll Do Anything’, the Banjo inspired ‘Ragged Mile’, the latest gutsy single ‘Close To You’, the ever-so-cheeky ‘Don’t Wanna See Your Face’, the cinematic ‘Fool for You’ and finishing with the moving “Hawaiinesque” tribute to John’s son ‘A Star is Born’. There is a definite feel of confidence from start to finish. This latest incarnation of the John Butler Trio may have dispensed with the standard eight minute track with no track exceeding five, but what results is a more polished recording. And of course, let’s not forget John’s guitar playing - which is sublime throughout.

Everything John has done up until now has consolidated into this latest work. And this album has all the makings to surpass everything previously offered. The trio are currently touring their latest work across the globe so be sure to catch them live - I have and its definitely worthwhile ! Check out John Butler Trio Live

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